When I started my individual blog, the now infamous Super Speak, I had the idea that it would be different from this, our family blog. I wasn't sure the direction it was going to take, I figured I would just start to write and see where it took me.
Now more than 5 months later I don't feel like it has taken too much of a different path than this blog. Some posts even mirror posts from the opposite blog. Frankly it has been hard sometimes coming up with different posts for each blog when in reality they are both about my life, our life and everyday happenings. I am toying around with the idea for a more niche blog/website but keeping up 3 sites might be more than I can chew. For this reason I am condensing the two current blogs into one. Since I love Wordpress more than Blogger, from now on you can find all updates at www.robynstorms.com. And thanks to the web nerds that I work with I was even able to import all posts from this blog over to that blog so if you have a favorite you would like to reference it is there. Plus I figure my posterity might want to read them too.
Hope you will continue to stay tuned. I won't be deleting this blog anytime soon to make sure you all know where to find me. And if you have a private blog, please send me an invite to robynstorms@gmail.com so I can continue to follow you.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Anniversary Catch-Up
So since you faithfully read our blog you should already know that we celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary just over 2 weeks ago. But what you don't know is how we celebrated. So I'm about to fill you in...We left the family reunion (see below) on Saturday and instead of driving home like everyone else we decided to spend an extra night in Colorado to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Loving to visit new places I discovered a quaint little town called Glenwood Springs. They brag about having the largest hot springs pool in the country, and maybe even the world, so I thought that sounded like a fun place to go. 
After doing some research I found a great hotel, that accepts pets, and booked us a king bed suite complete with whirlpool and fireplace. Didn't think we would need the fireplace for warmth but it might add to the mood. Wink, wink! When we went to check in the inappropriately dressed, not-so-customer-friendly lady at the desk informed us that the room type we were booked for did NOT accept pets. The conversation went something like this:
"You are booked for a king bed suite but we don't allow pets in those rooms." (This was said with a bit of disgust while she eyed Kingston.)
"Oh, when I booked the room online there was no mention that only certain rooms allowed pets."
"We only accept pets in our ground floor rooms and we are all out of those."
"Since I have a reservation and that was not clear could you put us somewhere else?"
"We have other rooms available but they don't accept pets. I can put you in one of those but the dog is not allowed."
"What do you expect me to do with my dog?" ("Imbecile," this part was silent but I thought it)
At this point her manager who had a little bit more sense than she did informed her that there was an available room we could use, with Kingston. We made sure he peed on the carpet. Just once.
Once we had the room situation figured out Matt and I headed out to dinner. We found a delicious little Mexican restaurant that came highly recommended from Twitter peeps and enjoyed a great meal. After dinner we went back to the hotel to let Kingston out and then changed into our bathing suits and went to spend some time at the hot springs. On our way into town we had noticed a sign pointing the way to Doc Holladay's grave. Part of the fun when visiting new places is discovering small, random points of interest so on our way out of town the next morning we decided to stop. It ended up being a 1/2 mile hike to the cemetery and once we found his grave we were a bit disappointed to find out the grave is just a marker and no one is sure exactly where is body is. Too funny. But that hasn't stopped people from adorning his tombstone with fake mustaches, poker chips and mini bottles.
When we got home we exchanged gifts with each other. I have always thought it would be fun to follow the traditional anniversary gifts, which meant this year's gift had to do with paper. Matt bought me "The Grimmerie," which for those who don't know is a fantastic book all about the musical, Wicked. I've beencoveting wanting it for some time. Good job, Matt! In return I bought Matt a great travel book on the Tour de France. Our first year has been full of many fun times and I look forward to many, many more.
After doing some research I found a great hotel, that accepts pets, and booked us a king bed suite complete with whirlpool and fireplace. Didn't think we would need the fireplace for warmth but it might add to the mood. Wink, wink! When we went to check in the inappropriately dressed, not-so-customer-friendly lady at the desk informed us that the room type we were booked for did NOT accept pets. The conversation went something like this:"You are booked for a king bed suite but we don't allow pets in those rooms." (This was said with a bit of disgust while she eyed Kingston.)
"Oh, when I booked the room online there was no mention that only certain rooms allowed pets."
"We only accept pets in our ground floor rooms and we are all out of those."
"Since I have a reservation and that was not clear could you put us somewhere else?"
"We have other rooms available but they don't accept pets. I can put you in one of those but the dog is not allowed."
"What do you expect me to do with my dog?" ("Imbecile," this part was silent but I thought it)
At this point her manager who had a little bit more sense than she did informed her that there was an available room we could use, with Kingston. We made sure he peed on the carpet. Just once.
Once we had the room situation figured out Matt and I headed out to dinner. We found a delicious little Mexican restaurant that came highly recommended from Twitter peeps and enjoyed a great meal. After dinner we went back to the hotel to let Kingston out and then changed into our bathing suits and went to spend some time at the hot springs. On our way into town we had noticed a sign pointing the way to Doc Holladay's grave. Part of the fun when visiting new places is discovering small, random points of interest so on our way out of town the next morning we decided to stop. It ended up being a 1/2 mile hike to the cemetery and once we found his grave we were a bit disappointed to find out the grave is just a marker and no one is sure exactly where is body is. Too funny. But that hasn't stopped people from adorning his tombstone with fake mustaches, poker chips and mini bottles.When we got home we exchanged gifts with each other. I have always thought it would be fun to follow the traditional anniversary gifts, which meant this year's gift had to do with paper. Matt bought me "The Grimmerie," which for those who don't know is a fantastic book all about the musical, Wicked. I've been
Saunders Family Reunion 09
We left for Colorado on Aug 5 to spend a few days at my family's cabin for the annual Saunders' reunion. We even brought Kingston along, who may I add was a champ during the 8 hr car ride. Everyone was there, except for Chris, Tiffiney and baby, Lariah makes 3. It was good to see Kim's family and meet their not-so-new daughter, Liz, who was born last year just before Matt and I got married. We spent time hiking, riding the 4-wheelers, eating dutch oven, playing baseball, and spending time with each other. It is always nice to get away to peace and quiet. Did I say 'quiet?" Not in this family! And of course there were the nightly card games. All in all we had a great time. Though I think Matt wouldn't mind if we stayed away from Logan for a month or two. Thirty Saunders' are a lot to take. He's adjusting well. :)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
One Year Ago...
A year ago today Matt and I were married in the Bountiful LDS Temple. When I think back on that day I have nothing but wonderful memories. Everything went smoothly and I wouldn't have changed a thing. The colors, the flowers, the dress, the cake, the dancing; everything was how we had planned. But most importantly we became a forever family that day and I look forward to this lifetime and eternity with the man I love.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Birthday #33
There is a lot of pressure on Matt to make my birthday special. I start counting down to the darn thing 3 months in advance because I love having a birthday so much. I don't care that I am getting older, I just focus on the good part. Cake, ice cream, an excuse to not work out all week (because I need at least a week to celebrate) and fun surprises. All things I love!
I had just purchased this fun cake pan from Williams-Sonoma and my birthday was the perfect occasion to try it out. Or in this case, Matt was the first to try it out since the honored guest should never have to make their own cake. I think he did a wonderful job.
And what do you get the girl who has had 14 speeding tickets throughout her young driving career? A chance to go really, really fast. By pulling a few strings I was able to do some "hot laps" at Miller Motorsports. Matt was so excited about his gift to me he has been trying to give it to be for over a month. Unfortunately I didn't get to drive the car, but going 115 mph in a mustang even as a passenger was pretty sweet.
Though I don't care about getting older each year, and sure don't feel it, I did get a small reminder that I am not as young as I once was. After speeding around the racetrack a few times I did start to feel sick. Thankfully nothing came up, but maybe next year I will just have a party.
I had just purchased this fun cake pan from Williams-Sonoma and my birthday was the perfect occasion to try it out. Or in this case, Matt was the first to try it out since the honored guest should never have to make their own cake. I think he did a wonderful job.
And what do you get the girl who has had 14 speeding tickets throughout her young driving career? A chance to go really, really fast. By pulling a few strings I was able to do some "hot laps" at Miller Motorsports. Matt was so excited about his gift to me he has been trying to give it to be for over a month. Unfortunately I didn't get to drive the car, but going 115 mph in a mustang even as a passenger was pretty sweet.
Though I don't care about getting older each year, and sure don't feel it, I did get a small reminder that I am not as young as I once was. After speeding around the racetrack a few times I did start to feel sick. Thankfully nothing came up, but maybe next year I will just have a party.
Looking the Part
A few of you have asked to see me in my full motorcycle glory. And I don't blame you. It's like I take on a whole new persona once the gear is on and the motorcycle engine starts to purr. But I am happy to have been able to stay true to my girlish ways by incorporating a lot of pink and a sparkly butterfly or two. One of my coworkers filmed a short video of me getting ready to head home. Check it out here.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Our 4th of July Adventure
July is one of my favorite months. I have a birthday and since I live in Utah, an entire month of fireworks. It's nothing compared to ending everyday with fireworks like I did in Florida, but I will take what I can get.
Day 2 started with a ride through Logan Canyon. We stopped in Bear Lake and enjoyed a raspberry shake and fries from LaBeau's.
The morning started off great with clear, blue skies, but by the time we would arrive at our hotel for the night we rode through 6 rainstorms. That's right, 6! The good thing is that most of them were short-lived and we could always see clear skies in the distance to help us keep going. Our agenda for that day was to continue on US-89 to Jackson, stop for dinner and then ride over Teton Pass into Drigg's, ID. The last rainstorm just happened to start right as we left Jackson and were headed over the pass. The scariest 10 miles of my life! It was bad enough going up the pass, but once we neared the top I realized I would also have to ride down. By that time the rain was coming down pretty hard, I was cold, wet and the roads were covered in water. I was sure I was going to drop my bike but with a lot of careful maneuvering we both made it down safe. Initiation over. We arrived to our cabin in Drigg's cold, wet and tired. After a hot bath I was asleep by 9.
One of many elk arches in Jackson
Our cozy cabin in Driggs
My favorite day on the bikes was Saturday. From Driggs we rode up through Ashton, ID to Mesa Falls. Who knew Idaho could be so beautiful. Ashton is full of rolling hills, which were a blast on the motorcycle, and green, lush farmlands. And Mesa Falls was so beautiful I couldn't add just one picture so I put together a slideshow for your viewing pleasure. The other plus to this day. No rain!
After Mesa Falls, we continued south to Idaho Falls/Shelley where we were staying with some friends of ours. I had always heard that the fireworks in Idaho Falls were some of the best. And they really were. It helps to have such a picturesque backdrop with the temple on one side of the river and fireworks on the other. Add in some cuddling and Neil Diamond and my 4th of July was complete.
We left Shelley after church on Sunday for the final 200 miles. It's amazing how comfortable I am on the bike now and happy for Matt's sake. We are now able to share in a hobby that he has loved for so long. And I look forward to many more road trips in the future.
Now that I am a certified and legal motorcycle rider, Matt and I planned a fun ride over the 4th of July weekend. Overall we rode almost 800 miles. We left Thursday night and rode as far as my sister's house in Wellsville. It was raining, which had me worried, but I handled it like a pro. Especially if you have heard me describe my first time on the freeway only a month previous. There was a lot of pulling over and freaking out happening on my part. But I eventually overcame the fear because I knew I had to in order to make this trip happen.
Day 2 started with a ride through Logan Canyon. We stopped in Bear Lake and enjoyed a raspberry shake and fries from LaBeau's.
The morning started off great with clear, blue skies, but by the time we would arrive at our hotel for the night we rode through 6 rainstorms. That's right, 6! The good thing is that most of them were short-lived and we could always see clear skies in the distance to help us keep going. Our agenda for that day was to continue on US-89 to Jackson, stop for dinner and then ride over Teton Pass into Drigg's, ID. The last rainstorm just happened to start right as we left Jackson and were headed over the pass. The scariest 10 miles of my life! It was bad enough going up the pass, but once we neared the top I realized I would also have to ride down. By that time the rain was coming down pretty hard, I was cold, wet and the roads were covered in water. I was sure I was going to drop my bike but with a lot of careful maneuvering we both made it down safe. Initiation over. We arrived to our cabin in Drigg's cold, wet and tired. After a hot bath I was asleep by 9.
One of many elk arches in Jackson
Our cozy cabin in Driggs
My favorite day on the bikes was Saturday. From Driggs we rode up through Ashton, ID to Mesa Falls. Who knew Idaho could be so beautiful. Ashton is full of rolling hills, which were a blast on the motorcycle, and green, lush farmlands. And Mesa Falls was so beautiful I couldn't add just one picture so I put together a slideshow for your viewing pleasure. The other plus to this day. No rain!After Mesa Falls, we continued south to Idaho Falls/Shelley where we were staying with some friends of ours. I had always heard that the fireworks in Idaho Falls were some of the best. And they really were. It helps to have such a picturesque backdrop with the temple on one side of the river and fireworks on the other. Add in some cuddling and Neil Diamond and my 4th of July was complete.
We left Shelley after church on Sunday for the final 200 miles. It's amazing how comfortable I am on the bike now and happy for Matt's sake. We are now able to share in a hobby that he has loved for so long. And I look forward to many more road trips in the future.
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